Posted August 4, 2005

     I definitely have a gripe.  It's that I don't feel safe in my own home in Southie anymore.

     Last night my husband and I came home to a teenage boy urinating in our yard.  When we asked him to stop and leave, he threatened to write his name on our front door with, well, urine.  He also threatened to deface our property in other ways, saying we were no longer safe in our own home.

     Normally, I would just think it ws "boys being boys."  But after having our car vandalized this winter (slashed tires, broken window) and after an angry neighbor tries to punch through our windshield (with my husband in the car!), I definitely no longer rule out random acts of violence. 

     It's sad.  I've lived here for years now and haven't felt unsafe until 2005.  When did it suddenly become OK to disrespect neighbors and their property?  My favorite thing about Southie used to be that it felt like a community that looked after each other.  Was I being naive?  Or has it taken a turn in the wrong direction?

     Amy

     Mercer Street

     South Boston